What's So Unique About the Fatty Acids in Sea Buckthorn Oil & Evening Primrose Oil?

Fatty acids are the building blocks of fats and oils. The 18-carbon (C18) chain fatty acids are particularly significant because they play a central role in various biological processes, such as inflammation, skin health, cardiovascular function, and more.

Sea Buckthorn Oil

When it comes to sea buckthorn oil, it stands out due to its distinctive fatty acid composition, particularly its remarkable concentration of palmitoleic acid (omega‑7). Omega‑7 is rare in the plant kingdom and is recognized for its role in regulating lipid-carbohydrate metabolism.

Additionally, its seed oil is a rich source of the essential fatty acids linoleic acid (omega‑6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega‑3), offering a balanced profile that contributes to skin regeneration and overall health.

Omega‑7 is known for many health benefits, including:

• Improved metabolic health and increased insulin sensitivity: Your body is better at managing energy, blood sugar, and fat metabolism.

• Reduced inflammation: Omega‑7 has been shown to decrease inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor. It helps protect tissues from damage caused by inflammatory processes. Anyone with chronic inflammation (which is common in chronic diseases) may benefit from using it.

• Skin health: If you are looking for a powerful skin remedy, sea buckthorn oil is it. Omega‑7 can promote collagen regeneration by activating Silent Information Regulator 1 (SIRT1) and inhibiting Matrix Metalloprotease‑1 (MMP‑1), which is involved in collagen degradation (Song et al., 2018). This action helps counteract the decrease in collagen abundance and loss of elasticity associated with oxidative stress, suggesting a role in preventing skin aging.

• Organ protection: Omega‑7 preserves cardiac tissue against damage induced by doxorubicin (an anticancer medication).

• Hepatoprotective: Omega‑7 has been shown to protect the liver and may help prevent liver damage caused by paracetamol. It also increases glutathione production, which is the body's master antioxidant.

• Appetite regulation: It has been shown to induce satiety and influence the release of appetite-regulating hormones. If you are trying to maintain or lose weight, you may benefit from omega‑7 intake.

Sea buckthorn oil also contains a good amount of omega‑3 and omega‑6. Omega‑3s are well documented for their cardiovascular protective effects:

• Reduced risk of heart disease (McLennan & Owen, 2006; Tur et al., 2012; Wang et al., 2004)

• Improved blood lipid profile – Omega‑3s can significantly reduce blood pressure

• Anti-arrhythmic effects – Omega‑3 fatty acids reduce the risk of death from heart attack and arrhythmias (Cakiner‑Egilmez, 2008)

Omega‑6s also offer important health benefits:

• Support for brain and nervous system function – Linoleic acid (the main omega‑6) is crucial for healthy brain cells and nerve signaling

• Skin and hair health – Omega‑6s help maintain the skin barrier, retain moisture, and promote hair growth

• Anti-inflammatory balance – While excessive omega‑6 can be pro-inflammatory, moderate intake contributes to regulating immune responses and reducing chronic inflammation

• Bone health – Omega‑6 fatty acids support bone formation and maintenance

Note for readers: The fatty acid composition varies depending on which part of the plant the oil comes from. Omega‑7 (palmitoleic acid) is concentrated in the pulp/berry oil, while omega‑3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and omega‑6 (linoleic acid) are more abundant in the seed oil.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is rich in omega‑6 fatty acids, especially gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and linoleic acid (LA). It supports hormonal balance, reduces inflammation, and improves skin health.

• Linoleic acid (LA): Helps keep skin hydrated and calm inflammation

• Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA): Converted in the body to DGLA, which reduces pro-inflammatory compounds, benefiting eczema, PMS, and arthritis (Bing et al., 2017)

How Can Evening Primrose Oil Help You?

• Skin health: Evening primrose oil has been shown to improve biophysical skin parameters in healthy adults, such as skin elasticity. It also has the potential to enhance skin hydration and barrier function, and may help alleviate symptoms like dryness, lip cracking, and peeling skin

• Women’s health: EPO has been explored for various women’s health issues, including PMS, menopause, hot flashes, and breast pain. Some studies have noted a decrease in the severity of hot flashes with EPO use for less than six months compared to a placebo (Thevi et al., 2024)

• Potential for lipid profile improvement: When combined with isotretinoin for acne treatment, EPO has shown beneficial effects on lipid profiles, including total cholesterol (TCH), LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, as well as transaminase activity (Kaźmierska et al., 2022)

How to Use These Oils – Let’s Get Specific

So, how can we use these oils in real life?

Both sea buckthorn oil and evening primrose oil come as capsules, liquid, or for topical use. Taking these oils with meals that contain some fat can improve absorption. For skin or hormonal benefits, consistency over weeks or months usually gives the best results.

Incorporating into Daily Life: Pairing these oils with a balanced diet rich in vegetables, healthy fats, and hydration can enhance their benefits.

• Skin: Apply topically to dry or sensitive areas, or take orally to support hydration and elasticity from within

• Hormonal health: Regular oral intake of evening primrose oil may help ease PMS or menopause-related symptoms

Important Precautions and Contraindications

• Omega‑7 and omega‑3-rich oils may affect blood clotting; consult your doctor if you are taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications.

• Evening primrose oil is recommended to be discontinued 1–2 weeks before surgery due to potential effects on bleeding.

• Choose 100% natural oils, preferably organic if possible.

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